Real-time text available for 911 calls in Houston County

Dispatchers are trained to respond through real-time text, giving residents with hearing loss faster access to emergency help.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, one out of six people in Houston County struggles with hearing loss.

This is a big reason the Houston County 911 Call Center set up a text service.

“Real time text, if it’s activated on a cell phone, and they use it to dial 911,” Cpt. of the Communications Division Mikki Quinones says. “It activates the dispatchers and allows them to communicate with the caller by texting back and forth.”

She says this service is available on most Androids and iPhones and be set up in settings.

“It’s something they use in their day to day lives every day, and they’re very familiar with it,” she said. “And just the thought of knowing that they don’t have to use that third party, they can pick up their phones and call 911 and have someone on the other end that texts back and forth with them to receive the information that we would need to get them help as fast as possible.

“She says the dispatchers are properly trained to use and respond to the app.

“Our dispatchers here every morning, when they come in, they take a cell phone and utilize that cell phone and place a call to 911 to ensure their equipment is up and working and is available should they receive a text or real time text call,” she said.

Quinones believes this service will help with faster response times, and that’s the main goal. The system is especially useful in emergencies where speaking could put someone in danger.

“We want to offer accessibility to all our citizens,” she said. “And to be able to get their information as quick as possible when they call us, so we can get responders out and get them the help they need quick as possible.”